John winner lifts FC Dallas past 10-man Galaxy

FC Dallas couldn’t have asked for a better scenario heading into Saturday’s showdown vs. defending MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy. Bruce Arena chose to rest Robbie Keane, Todd Dunivant and Juninho, and a crowd of more than 20,000 FC Dallas fans showed up to root on a Dallas team that has been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises.

Everything was set up for a special night, but for 86 minutes it looked like the Galaxy might be able to escape Frisco, Texas with a point. Then George John came up with yet another big play in what has been a dream start to the season, out-hustling Omar Gonzalez on a corner kick and heading home a loose ball for the winning goal in an eventual 1-0 victory over the Galaxy.

John’s game-winning goal, and the ensuing celebration was marred by an ugly incident immediately after the goal, when an FC Dallas fan threw a beer bottle toward the field that struck John in the back of the head as he was just beginning to celebrate. John suffered a cut that required five staples, though it didn’t force him to leave the match.

According to reports from FC Dallas Stadium, the perpetrator was apprehended.

The win improved FC Dallas to 4-1-1 on the season and extended their lead atop the West to six points.

The match saw a pair of penalty kicks awarded, with both teams seeing penalties saved. Kenny Cooper had his PK saved by Carlo Cudicini after referee Baldomero Toledo issued a red card to Galaxy defender Leonardo for a foul on Blas Perez in the penalty area. Cudicini made a quality save to deny Cooper, but the Galaxy still figured to struggle being down a man for the final 30 minutes of the match.

Los Angeles almost took the lead in the 69th minute when John was called for a foul on Jose Villarreal in the penalty area. Replays showed that Villarreal appeared to dive to earn the call. Landon Donovan had his penalty kick saved by Raul Fernandez, to keep the match scoreless.

The two sides played a fairly even first half, with Los Angeles Galaxy rookie left back Greg Cochrane turning in an impressive performance in place of Todd Dunivant. Neither side really got going though and the real action didn’t start until the second half.

The loss drops the Galaxy eight points behind FC Dallas, though the defending MLS Cup champions have two games in hand. They return to action on Saturday, when they play host to Sporting Kansas City. FC Dallas will be at home again next Saturday, when they face Vancouver.

“Not everyone who is nice to you is your friend and not everyone who is mean to you is your enemy.”

Mike Tyson

Gee, Charles, did you ever consider the possibility that LD sucks for the moment because people like you decided he’s somehow above criticism? Did you ever consider that maybe people like you are holding him back? No, your right. I’m the bad guy. I apologize.

FCD didn’t have their best game yesterday, but I’m sure they’re happy with the points anyhow. Zach Lloyd met every defensive challenge he faced yesterday, and was a little off his form this year in supporting the attack. He’s been exceptional this season and nobody is really noticing. As for the rest of FCD, you have to wonder…what is their weakness other then the occasional late game lapse of focus? They have dominating midfield speed, great midfield passing, excellent goal-scoring strikers (two of which are solid hold up guys to spring the midfielders on the wing), two solid defensive midfielders (Michel has been excellent), size to execute and defend set pieces against every team in the league, two of the league’s top defenders (Lloyd and John), and a keeper who can make big saves. FCD has to be the early favorite for the title. The only thing stopping them at this point is their will to succeed.

A blunt assessment as a nats fan…Omar needs to stay aware and engage his mark until the play is over. The goal in Honduras should have tuned him in, but then it happens in the first leg of the CCL semifinal and now he goes to sleep on John on the game winner. It’s a trend and a problem area. He needs to clean it up or he’ll be watching Cameron and Besler at CB.